Goalie Stand

ABSTRACT

Provided is a device for use by athletic teams, participants, and recreational groups for positioning in or in front of a goal to replicate a person acting as a goalie or defender. The device or “goalie stand” is durable, portable, mobile, and easily transportable for ease of use and movement or relocation. The goalie stand may be adjusted such that the height or width may be increased or decreased depending on the user&#39;s preference. The goalie stand may be a single continuous construction, or it may consist of two or more sections that are joined together by any one of a number of mechanical fastening means. The goalie stand may have adjustable components, such as a stick or arm, that can be positioned at various angles relative to the body of the stand. The goalie stand may be used on any surface, such as grass, dirt, artificial turf, or ice.

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/686,334, entitled “Goalie Stand”, filed Apr. 4, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to sports equipment and training devices. More particularly, to a device for use in and around a goal for replicating a person performing the actions of a goalie or defender while participants attempt to shoot at or otherwise score a goal.

BACKGROUND

Many sports, at all levels from youth league to the professional ranks, have a need for testing or improving a player's skill at shooting a ball or puck at a goal, with the objective being to score a goal while the goal itself is being defended. Often times it is necessary or preferable to practice shooting skills at a time when a live person acting as the goalie or defender is not available. As such there is a need for a device that replicates the size, shape, and positioning of a live goalie or defender.

Currently, the practice devices available to replicate a goalie are cumbersome, non-durable, and do not present a realistic profile of a person defending a goal. These devices are often simply a net or tarp stung across the face of the goal. There exists, therefore, a need for a practice device or “goalie stand” that is: durable to withstand the impact of a ball or puck; realistic in terms of size, shape and profile, replicating that of a human goalie or defender; adjustable to account for various preferred heights and widths; and easily moveable or transportable.

SUMMARY

The methods and devices herein disclosed advance the art and overcome problems articulated above by providing a goalie stand for use by athletic teams and participants, as well as recreational sports enthusiasts, desiring to practice and improve their ball or puck shooting skills.

In particular, and by way of example only, according to an embodiment, presented is a device for replicating a human goalie defending a goal comprising a shaped, contiguous structure having the general form of a human and a goalie stick or other equipment. The device may include moveable and replaceable components, and may be adjustable, such that the device can be configured to meet the needs of a particular team, sport, or participant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, wherein the device is sectioned into three attachable/removable sections, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, wherein a component of the device may be independently configured, adjusted or positioned, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, the height of which can be adjusted by extending a head component, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, the height of which can be adjusted by extending a midsection of the device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, the height of which can be adjusted by attaching an extension to the bottom of the device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a base of the device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a base of the device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base of the device, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a device for replicating a goalie defending a goal, wherein the device is attached to, and movable along, a guide rail, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before proceeding with the detailed description, it should be noted that the present teaching is by way of example, not by limitation. The concepts herein are not limited to use or application with one specific type of a goalie stand or one particular sport. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, the principles herein may be equally applied in other types of goalie stands or practice devices, in any and all sports which incorporate the use of a goal.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a device or “goalie stand” 100 for replicating a human goalie defending a goal is presented. Of note, although the goalie stand presented herein is for use in the sport of lacrosse, it is intended that the device presented can be modified and used in any one of a number of sports that incorporate the use of a goal, to included but not limited to: lacrosse, hockey, soccer, water polo, field hockey, team handball, etc. Referring again to FIG. 1, the goalie stand 100 is a life-size, realistic, three dimensional replication of a human goalie standing in or near a goal and having a simulated stick 102 or other piece of goalie equipment. The goalie stand 100 may be a shaped, contiguous structure of one piece. It may be formed to generally replicate a human, or may be lifelike in the form of a mannequin or other model or structure that nearly replicates the human form. The goalie stand 100 may be inflatable. The goalie stand 100 may be any thickness, height, or width desired or necessary to ensure it remains upright and in position when being struck by a ball, puck or other device. The thickness may also be defined, in part, by the material characteristics of the goalie stand 100 and the durability required to withstand multiple impacts from a ball or puck thrown or shot at the goalie stand 100. The goalie stand 100 may be constructed, in whole or in part, of one or more materials selected from a group consisting of: plastic, playground-grade plastic, rubber, polyurethane, metal, wood, composite materials, cloth, paper-based products. The materials listed, and others, may be used singularly or in combination to give the goalie stand 100 the rigidity, flexibility, and durability necessary for use in a plethora of sports. The goalie stand 100 may have a means for attaching or securing the stand 100 to the applicable goal. The means (not shown) may be a simple strap through a slot, hole, or ring in the stand 100, said strap wrapping over a cross-bar or other part of the goal, or it may be by other mechanical means whereby the stand 100 remains attached to the goal in a relatively fixed location.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a multi-sectioned goalie stand 200 is presented. While the goalie stand 200 depicted in FIG. 2 is sectioned into three sections (four pieces), it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the goalie stand 200 may be sectioned into as many or as few sections as are necessary or desired without departing from the design and intent of the invention. The top section 202, center section 204, and bottom section (pieces 206, 208) may be integrated and attached by any one of a number of mechanical fastening devices or schemes that may include, but are not limited to: interlocking tongue and groove, bolts or other fasteners, snap-together components, Velcro®, straps, concentric rings, etc. The top, center, and bottom sections 202, 204, 206, and 208 may be disassembled for ease of transport and storage in a carrying case or bag. In FIG. 3, the goalie stand 300 includes an adjustable goalie stick 302 which can be rotated or otherwise positioned to any angle desired, relative to the body of the stand 300. The stick 302 may also be moved, positioned, and affixed by mechanical means to any of a number of locations on the stand 300 itself. Of note, in addition to a goalie stick 302, other pieces of goalie or goalie-like equipment (not shown) may also be integrated into the goalie stand 300, and may be moveable, adjustable, and capable of being repositioned.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an adjustable goalie stand 400 is presented. The adjustment in this instance is for overall height, but it is understood that the goalie stand 400 may be adjusted for either height or width, or both. In the case of the goalie stand 400 of FIG. 4, the adjustment is made by increasing the distance between the upper section 402 of the body of the goalie stand 400 and the head 404 of the goalie stand 400. As shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment is made via an extension piece 406 positioned between the head 404 and the upper section of the body 402. Extension may be affected by raising the head 404 which correspondingly raises and extends the extension piece, said piece being permanently affixed to both the head 404 and the upper section of the body 402. Alternatively, the head 404 may be detachable, and the extension piece 406 may be a separate component mechanically fastened to both the head 404 and upper section of the body 402. In either instance, the height adjustment may be fixed or varying. For example, the base height of the goalie stand 400 may be 5′6″ in height, and may be adjustable to 6′0″, or any height in between. The same methodology and variations with regard to adjustable design may be used to adjust not only the height of the stand 400, but also the width.

Similar to FIG. 4, the goalie stand 500 of FIG. 5 is adjustable in height. In this instance, however, the adjustment is made at the midsection 502 of the stand 500. As with the adjustment depicted in FIG. 4, the midsection 502 may be fixed or removable, may be a sliding mechanism integrated into the goalie stand, and may be used to adjust the height of the stand to any of a number of various heights depending on user preferences. FIG. 6 presents yet another embodiment of the present invention whereby the height of the goalie stand 600 is adjusted by attaching to the bottom area 602 an extension or base 604 of fixed or varying height. The base 604 is mechanically fastened to the bottom area 602 through any one of a number of mechanical fastening means well known in the art. It can be appreciated with all of the height adjustment schemes presented that multiple extension pieces 406, midsections 502, and bases 604 may be used in combination to achieve the desired height.

Any number of base or “feet” or base designs may be incorporated into the present invention without departing from the intent described herein. The specific design will be driven, in large part, by both the surface on which the invention will be used and the stability required. Specifically, the base or “feet, whether part of an integrated design of the invention or included as an “add-on” component, may be box-shape (700, FIG. 7), H-bar (800, FIG. 8) or T-bar shaped (not shown), or may be semi-circular (900, FIG. 9). Other base designs that provide the stability required may also be incorporated. In FIG. 7 it can be seen that the base 700 includes a section or volume 702 wherein a liquid or solid material 704 (such as water or sand or dirt) may be inserted via an opening 706 which may have a cap. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the base 700 may include a clamp or stake 708 which may be inserted through a hole 710 in the base 700 and subsequently driven into the ground to secure the base 700, and hence the goalie stand itself, in place. One or more stakes 708 may be used for each base 700 and/or stand. It can further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that no base or stand or feet may be required depending on the need and methods for integrating a goalie stand in to a goal or net.

Of note, the adjustment of the height and width, as well as the movement of components such as the goalie stick, may be accomplished, in at least one embodiment, by electronic or automated means, and may be controlled remotely. Further, and referring to FIG. 10, the goalie stand 1000 contemplated herein may be integrated with a base or guide rail 1002 or other movement system for positioning the stand relative to the goal. The base or guide rail 1002 may be a rail, track, groove, slide, bar, or other structure along which the goalie 1004 may be moved by physical means, mechanical means, power or electrical means, and remote or remote control means. The guide rail 1002 provides a path for movement, as well as a stand for stability of the goalie 1004, and may be positioned within the goal 1006 or in front of the goal 1006, and may be fixed to the goal 1006 or free moving.

Changes may be made in the above methods, devices and structures without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description and/or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method, device and structure, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for replicating a human goalie defending a goal comprising a shaped, contiguous structure having the general form of a human and a goalie stick.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the device may be affixed to a goal.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the structure includes a base secured to the ground by a mechanical fastener placed through a hole in the base and driven into the ground.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the base includes a section for retaining a material to add weight and stability to the structure.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the material is selected from a group consisting of: a liquid, sand, and dirt.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the structure is a mannequin.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the structure is affixed to a means for positioning the structure relative to a goal.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the means for positioning is a guide rail.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the guide rail is selected from a group consisting of: a rail, a track, a groove, a slide, and a bar.
 10. The device of claim 7 wherein the means for positioning is electronically controlled.
 11. The device of claim 7 wherein the means for positioning is remotely controlled.
 12. A device for replicating a human goalie defending a goal comprising: a top section, a center section, and a bottom section.
 13. The device of claim 12 further consisting of a fastening means for joining together the top, center and bottom sections.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the fastening means is selected from a group consisting of: interlocking tongue and groove, bolts, fasteners, snap-together components, Velcro®, straps, and concentric rings.
 15. The device of claim 12 further comprising an extension for adjusting the height of the device.
 16. The device of claim 12 further comprising a means for adjusting the width of the device.
 17. A device for replicating a human goalie defending a goal comprising a shaped structure having the general form of a human goalie, one or more removable and adjustable components replicating goalie equipment, and a base along which the shaped structure may be moved to adjust the position of the shaped structure relative to a goal.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein the base is affixed to a goal.
 19. The device of claim 17 wherein the shaped structure is inflatable.
 20. The device of claim 17 wherein the shaped structure is moved along the base by a means selected from the group consisting of: a physical means, a mechanical means, a power means, an electrical means, and a remote control means. 